2021 Season COVID-19 Safety Protocols December 12, 2020 - Ngin
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2021 Season COVID-19 Safety Protocols
December 12, 2020General
• Based on the latest guidance from the State of Ohio, ABL has developed a set of safety
protocols for its teams during the 2021 season.
• These protocols were developed in conjunction with the City of Aurora and are based on the
Responsible RestartOhio guidance for Baseball, Softball, and Batting Cages. More information
can be found on the State of Ohio’s coronavirus website here:
https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/responsible-restart-ohio/Sector-Specific-
Operating-Requirements/
• It is ABL’s intent that the governing protocols for the 2021 season meet or exceed the mandatory
requirements from the State of Ohio.
• Some changes from “usual” seasons are needed to comply with the State guidance. Help from
each parent, player, and coach will be necessary for a successful season.
• These protocols are subject to change as state requirements and guidance are updated.
• The safety protocols are our minimum requirements to be able to practice and play this
season. If these are not followed, the ABL, City of Aurora, and/or State of Ohio may be
forced to end the season.
• Responsibilities for parents, coaches, and players are summarized in the following slides.
Additional details, including a comparison of State guidance and the ABL protocols are
provided in the Appendix.
• This document cannot cover all potential situations that may arise. Flexibility, good
judgment, and personal responsibility will be needed from all participants.Prior to the Season
• All participant legal guardians must sign an additional liability waiver regarding COVID-
19. No player may participate in any team activity until the appropriate ABL League
Director receives the waiver.
• All participant legal guardians must read, agree to, and sign off on the safety protocols.
No player may participate in any team activity until the appropriate ABL League Director
receives the signed form.
• All teams must collect and maintain a roster including name, address, and contact
information for each coach and player.
• The coach will hold this list for the entire season and will provide the list to the local health
department if requested.
• If an ABL team will be playing a non-ABL team, the ABL coach must have a similar roster and
contact information for the non-ABL team prior to the start of the game and upload it (photo is
acceptable) to the following location:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=15QHWNdSWgXByoLScLr4NvEipzQM4wnjSParent Responsibilities - 1
• Conduct a symptom assessment of your player(s) (including taking their temperature)
prior to each practice or game and keep them home if they have any symptoms.
• Per the CDC, symptoms include cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills,
repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headaches, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell.
• Notify the coach and the ABL if your player or someone they have been in contact with is
confirmed to have COVID-19.
• Perform a self-assessment prior to coming to the venue as a spectator and stay home if
experiencing any symptoms.
• Perform an assessment of any siblings and keep them home from the field if they have
any symptoms.
• Supply a mitt, bat, batting helmet, and water bottle for your player(s). It is also
recommended that you provide a mask for your player(s).
• The State of Ohio protocols:
• Recommend that players wear masks anytime they are not actively participating in the
game/practice (not in the field defensively or at bat).
• Do not permit athletes to share equipment.
• An exception will be made for catcher’s gear – ABL will supply an additional set for each team
and it will be sanitized between users. Note that developmental leagues (Juniors and below) will
not use a catcher this season to further minimize sharing.
• ABL does have a limited number of these items to loan for the season in the event of financial
hardship.Parent Responsibilities - 2
• Adhere to social distancing guidelines when attending games as a spectator.
• Stay out of designated player areas and maintain a six foot distance from the field.
• Spread out from other spectators and maintain a six foot distance from each other. Bleachers
will likely either not be used or will need to be minimally used.
• The State of Ohio protocols recommend that spectators also use masks.
• Leave the field as quickly as reasonable after games/practices.
• ABL and the Parks and Rec Department is scheduling extra time between practices/games to
minimize overlap to the extent practical.
• Do not congregate in parking lots or other common areas.
• State of Ohio protocols recommend not sharing vehicles with non-household member
(discourage carpooling among teammates).
• Review the protocols with your player and ensure they understand what is required to
participate. Players who will not or are not able to adhere to the protocols will not be
permitted to participate.
• Each coach will have one team representative to assure all safety protocols are in place
during practice/game. They will be responsible for “policing” social distancing rules and
guidelines. To include but not limited to, daily assessments, social distancing, proper
protection equipment and sanitation.
• Coaches may add to the ABL required protocols as needed, or to follow more stringent
league guidelines.Coach Responsibilities - 1
• Conduct a self-assessment (including a temperature check) prior to each practice or
game and stay home if you experience any symptoms.
• Per the CDC, symptoms include cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills,
repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headaches, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell.
• If any player or coach becomes sick or shows symptoms during a practice or game, they should
stop participation and be sent home.
• Understand and adhere to social distancing guidelines to the extent practical when
running practices and games.
• It is recommended that coaches supply their own masks and wear them at all times.
• Review the requirements for players, coaches, and umpires in detail (see Appendix).
General player requirements include:
• No sharing of equipment, water bottles, etc. For teams with catchers, ABL will supply two sets of
gear and they must be cleaned (ABL will supply disinfectant) between users.
• Players should use hand sanitizer when coming off the field (ABL will supply to each team).
• No spitting, seeds, gum, or similar products are permitted.
• It is recommended that players wear masks when not actively participating.
• No contact between players/coaches/umpires. This means no high-fives, post-game handshake
lines, etc. Coming up with alternate celebrations for your team is encouraged!Coach Responsibilities - 2
• The number of players permitted in the dugout will be limited – there will be designated
areas outside the dugout for most. ABL and the Parks and Rec Department will be
working to establish these areas.
• Note that the setup required may be different based on the specific layout of each field.
• The coach may determine whether participants will remain with their family or have an assigned
seat when not actively participating.
• Coaches must maintain a roster of participants including contact information and obtain
similar information for any non-ABL participant (including umpires and non-ABL
opponents) prior to the start of each game.
• Coaches will provide this information to the local health department upon request.
• ABL will provide coaches with local health department contact information to allow quick access
as needed.
• Minimize in-person team meetings and have your team leave the field promptly when
your practice/game ends.
• Each coach will have one team representative to assure all safety protocols are in place
during practice/game. They will be responsible for “policing” social distancing rules and
guidelines. To include but not limited to, daily assessments, social distancing, proper
protection equipment and sanitation.
• Specific leagues may have additional changes for this season that will be shared by your
league director.
• Coaches may add to the ABL required protocols as needed, or to follow more stringent
league guidelines.Player Responsibilities
• Understand and adhere to social distancing guidelines during practices and games.
• If you feel sick before a practice or game, tell a parent right away.
• If you feel sick during a practice or game, tell your coach right away.
• Follow your coach’s instructions for where to sit and where to put your equipment. Each
coach will have a team representative to assure all safety protocols are in place during
practice/game. They will be responsible for “policing” social distancing rules and
guidelines, to include but not limited to, daily assessments, social distancing, proper
protection equipment and sanitation.
• When you’re not on the field:
• Use the hand sanitizer when you come off the field/into the dugout.
• It’s recommended to wear your mask.
• Stay six feet away from others (stay in your designated spot).
• Keep your drinks and equipment separate from your teammates. Do not use their equipment or
let them use yours.
• No spitting, seeds, gum, or similar products are allowed.
• No touching other players (or coaches, or umpires). No shaking hands, high-fives, chest
bumps… No handshake lines after the game. Coming up with alternative celebrations is
encouraged!
• It’s a little different than usual, but we need your help to follow these rules so we can all
have a great baseball season!Appendix Detailed List of State of Ohio Protocols and Corresponding Aurora Baseball Requirements
Arrival to Venue
• Appropriate locations (such as along the first and third
baseline fences) will be designated for players not on
the field to sit with a six-foot distance between them.
Spectators will not be permitted in these areas. An
additional coach or “dugout parent” volunteer will
monitor athletes.
• Parents must conduct a daily symptom assessment,
including temperature check, of their player(s) and keep
them home if they have symptoms. All others (coaches,
spectators) must perform a self-assessment and stay
home if they have symptoms.
• No team water coolers will be permitted.
• Designated game balls will be supplied for each team
(rec) or by each team (travel). Foul balls must be
sanitized by a coach prior to being returned to play.
• Aurora Tournament is cancelled.
• All guidelines will be distributed to each team and
participant prior to starting the season (rec/Aurora
travel) or provided to a visiting non-Aurora team prior
to the scheduled game.
• Lineups shall be communicated without exchanging
documents, either online (when GameChanger is used)
or via text. No written lineup card shall be used.
• Carpooling between team members will be
discouraged.Team Practices - 1
• Appropriate locations (such as along the first and third
baseline fences) will be designated for players not on
the field to sit with a six-foot distance between them.
Spectators will not be permitted in these areas. An
additional coach or “dugout parent” volunteer will
monitor athletes.
• It is recommended that all coaches supply their own
masks and wear them at all times.
• It is recommended that all players have and wear face
coverings whenever they are not actively participating.
Players may choose to wear face coverings at all times.
• Parents must conduct a daily symptom assessment,
including temperature check, of their player(s) and keep
them home if they have symptoms. All others (coaches,
spectators) must perform a self-assessment and stay
home if they have symptoms.
• No team water coolers will be permitted. Each player
should supply their own water; sharing of individual
water bottles will not be not permitted.Team Practices - 2
• Spectators will be encouraged to minimize their
presence at practices and will remain outside the field
and at least six feet from the team at all times.
• Coaches will minimize close interaction among players
during drills where possible (smaller groups, spacing out
lines, etc.)
• Each player must have his own bat/helmet/mitt. This
equipment will not be shared. ABL has a limited
amount of this equipment to loan for the season in
instances of financial hardship.
• Sharing of catcher’s equipment will be minimized by
replacing the catcher with a masked assistant coach in
developmental leagues (Juniors and below) and
providing a minimum of two sets for each
Minor/Major/Senior league team. ABL will provide
each team using catchers with disinfectant for
equipment sanitation between users.
• ABL will provide each coach with hand sanitizer for use
by their team during practices and games.Athletes - 1
• Parents must conduct a daily symptom assessment,
including temperature check, of their player(s) and keep
them home if they have symptoms.
• Appropriate locations (such as along the first and third
baseline fences) will be designated for players not on
the field to sit with a six-foot distance between them.
Spectators will not be permitted in these areas. An
additional coach or “dugout parent” volunteer will
monitor athletes.
• It is recommended that all players have and wear face
coverings whenever they are not actively participating.
Players may choose to wear face coverings at all times.
• No team water coolers will be permitted. Each player
should supply their own water; sharing of individual
water bottles will not be not permitted.
• Each player must have his own bat/helmet/mitt. This
equipment will not be shared. ABL has a limited
amount of this equipment to loan for the season in
instances of financial hardship.Athletes - 2
• Sharing of catcher’s equipment will be minimized by
replacing the catcher with a masked assistant coach in
developmental leagues (Juniors and below) and
providing a minimum of two sets for each
Minor/Major/Senior league team. ABL will provide
each team using catchers with disinfectant for
equipment sanitation between users.
• ABL will provide each coach with hand sanitizer for use
by their team during practices and games.
• Spitting, seeds, gum, and similar products will be
prohibited.
• Players shall refrain from contact with others whenever
possible. Teams will devise alternate celebrations and
modify handshake lines.
• Athletes who are not willing to comply with these
guidelines will not be permitted to participate.Spectators
• Spectators should perform a self-assessment of
symptoms prior to arriving to the venue and stay home
if experiencing any symptoms. Parents should also
assess any additional children who will be attending.
• A six foot distance from the field will be determined at
each field in conjunction with the Aurora Parks and Rec
Department. Spectators must comply with this distance
from the field and may not enter the dugouts,
designated player/coach areas, or field of play.
• Bleacher access (where applicable) will be limited.
• ABL will work with the Aurora Parks and Rec
Department to ensure that hand sanitizer is available
for restrooms without running water.
• Spectators should adhere to social distancing protocols.
It is recommended that spectators have and wear
masks at all times.Coaches
• Coaches shall adhere to six-foot social distancing
protocols to the extent practical while conducting
practices and games.
• It is recommended that all coaches supply their own
masks and wear them at all times.
• Coaches must conduct a self-assessment for any
symptoms, including a temperature check, prior to
coming to the field for any practice or game and stay
home if experiencing any symptoms.
• Spitting seeds, gum, and similar products will be
prohibited.
• Coaches shall refrain from contact with others
whenever possible. Teams will devise alternate
celebrations and modify handshake lines.
• Coaches will run practices and games in accordance
with the COVID-19 protocols and do their best to
ensure that their athletes are complying with all
protocols on social distancing, contact, and equipment
sharing.
• For games, an assistant or “dugout parent” volunteer
will be designated to monitor athletes’ compliance with
the protocols while the coach(es) are coaching the
team.Umpires - 1
• Umpires shall adhere to six-foot social distancing
protocols to the extent practical while conducting
games.
• Umpires must provide their contact information
including address and phone number to the ABL coach
prior to the start of each game. This will be provided to
the local health department upon request.
• Umpires must conduct a self-assessment, including
temperature check, for any symptoms prior to coming
to the field and stay home if experiencing any
symptoms.
• It is recommended that all umpires supply their own
masks and wear them at all times.Umpires - 2
• Umpires (plate umpires, in particular) should station
themselves at the farthest distance from the catcher
that will permit effective performance of their duty.
• Umpires will not hold baseballs; the coach for each
team will hold all baseballs for their team.
• To the extent possible, umpires will be paid via
electronic means to avoid exchanging cash/checks.
• Coaches will perform umpiring duties in developmental
leagues (leagues other than Minor, Major, and Senior).
• Umpires will have the ability to declare a forfeit if
safety protocols are not in place or not adhered to.Leaving the Venue
• When scheduling games and practices, ABL and the
Parks and Rec Department will allow extra time
between events to reduce interaction between those
leaving and arriving.
• All participants will be encouraged to leave the field,
common areas, and parking lot as quickly as reasonable
when the practice or game ends.
• Post-game team meetings will be minimized and will
adhere to social distancing protocols.Confirmed Cases
• Any individual developing symptoms will be
immediately removed from participation in the
practice/game and sent home.
• ABL will maintain a list of names, addresses, and phone
numbers for all league participants.
• Coaches will maintain a roster of players and coaches
for their team. Prior to each practice, coaches will be
responsible to note any players/coaches not present to
assist in the event contact tracing becomes necessary.
If using umpires, prior to each game, contact
information for the umpire(s) will also be collected.
• When playing a non-Aurora team, the coach of the
Aurora team must be supplied with the roster of
players/coaches/participants and contact info for the
non-Aurora team.
• If any coach (or parent) learns of a confirmed case
related to any participant in any practice or game, they
will report it immediately to the ABL Board and the
health department and City of Aurora will be notified.
• Contact information for the health department will be
supplied to each coach and parent at the start of the
season.You can also read
